The United States Government has returned to Nigeria $950,000 in looted funds, allegedly embezzled by a former Governor of Bayelsa State, the late Mr Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, during his time in power.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, revealed this to journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, February 16. She said that the former governor’s official income as a public worker from 1999 until his impeachment in 2005 did not match the stated amount.
Beatrice Jedy-Agba, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, also spoke at the press conference, stating that funds have been authorized for the construction of a healthcare centre for Bayelsa state inhabitants.
“This asset return arose from the forfeiture and recovery of approximately $1 million USD linked to the corrupt practices of former Bayelsa state governor, D.S.P Alamieyeseigha.
“The United States government, in collaboration with the Federal Republic of Nigeria initiated and completed forfeiture proceedings against certain real property and investment funds located in Maryland and Massachusetts against the former governor which resulted in the net forfeiture to the Government of United States of America totalling the sum of $954,807.40.
“Following the court order, the FRN and the USA have negotiated and finalized the terms of the asset return agreement.
“It is worthy to note that in line with the terms of this agreement, Mr President has already approved the expected sum to be utilised for the implementation of a health centre project for the benefit of the people of Bayelsa state and to be monitored by the civil society organisations and the federal government, through the federal ministry of justice.”
Alamieyeseigha served as Governor of Bayelsa State from May 29, 1999, to December 9, 2005. He passed away in October 2015, at the age of 62.
